Essay name: Devala-smriti (critical study)
Author:
Mukund Lalji Wadekar
Affiliation: Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda / Department of Sanskrit Pali and Prakrit
This essay represents an English study of the Devala-smriti—an ancient text attributed to sage Devala classified as belonging to the Dharma-Shastra branch of Indian literature which encompasses jurisprudence and religious law. This study deals with the reconstructed text of the Devala-smriti based on surviving references, emphasizing Devala’s unique viewpoints on social, religious, and philosophical aspects, particularly the Sankhya and Yoga philosophies.
Chapter 11 - Devalasmriti in the Modern Age
4 (of 9)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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is at the root of preservation & maintenance of the entire
universe or creation & as values & ends of human life, which
can contribute to the order, cohesion & well-being of the same.
By pointing out the 'quintessence of Dharma' & by enlisting
virtues as constituents of Dharma, Devala has laid great stress
on the ideals of life. He has also enumerated, defined &
explained three kinds of vices mental, verbal & physical &
pointed out the practicable & sure ways of elimination thereof.
This is very important in the Modern world of degenerating social
values & moral understanding. No society can ever live happily
& peacefully, if the vices play a predominant role over virtues
therein.
CHANGING & UNCHANGING ASPECTS :
In an ideal human society, there should be a proper relation
of an individual with another individual, with his family-members
& the community at large, all of which together & harmoniously
contribute to the universal welfare, in which the individual
& social good can simultaneously be achieved. Such directives,
regarding ideal human society have been laid down by the seers,
along with the time-honoured outward changes, that were necessary
for the general good.
Shri J.R.Gharpure notes that, "society has been changing
*
& with it, the ideas also......As, however, the fundamental
principles are sound & with changing details could be applicable
at all times mutantis mutandis, society has been able to
maintain its moorings, though the outwardly visible garb may have
seemingly changed"2.
